Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1887-09-22
SET IN DIAMONDS.
BY Charlotte N. Braeme.

The duke and duchess, seated togeth-
er at lunch, were somewhat surprised
by hurried message from the butler,
asking if Mrs. Grey's rooms were to be
examined.
No" cried the duchess decidedly
not"
But something, perhaps of his former
doubts and suspicious returned to the
duke, for at that moment ae cried
Decidedly, yes" then looked at his
wife with smile of apology.
"You shall do as YOU wish, Ethel"
he said. but it will hardly be fair to
the rest of the household.
at is such different thing" said
he duchess, kindly. 81 am afraid she
will be hurt"
al think not" said the duke. Mrs.
irey is most sensible person. Even
if she were a relative or a visitor, in a
'ase like this fancy she would submit
without word. 1t SHALL not be done
though, against your wish; but it is not
fair to the rest"
There can be no question of Mrs.
Grey in the matter" said the duchess.
"St II, If il be needful to search her
room she W i not object" and it was
settled that the room should be searched.
Let the housekeeper come with u.s."
said the detective, when he stood at the
door of Mrs Grey's room.
They found her within.
"You have done right" she said, in
answer to Mr.. Barton's half-apology -
''duite right. My room. and all that it
contains, is at your service"
There is not much chance that we
shall find the diamonds here" said Mrs.
Hilton. with smile.
Steadily, quietly, The detective went
his round. Mrs. Grey had ceased to
watch him. She had taken up book
and gone to the window. 1t was but a
mere Formally. she knew, every room
in the house was searched in the same
manner, the duchess's dressing room
and boudoir; no place had escaped.
Mrs. Grey had paid but little attention.
Once or twice her eyes had followed the
detective with languid curiosity, but no
one could have seemed more entirely at
their ease until, having thoroughly ex-
nmined the whole room, Mr.. Barton
drew near black trunk standing in one
corner of the room.
Then he saw quite plainly the awak-
ening, vivid interest in her face. He
saw new light come into her eyes-he
saw quick. vivid blush burn her face,
then fade into pallor. She rose with
the grace and dignity of queen.
That trunk is my property. Yon
are at perfect liberty to search the room
and everything belonging to it; but |
object to anything that is my own being
touched"
81 am sorry" said Mr.. Barton, ''but
the dukes orders were imperative"
She stood for moment in silence,
then came forward.
you merely wish to see what is in
in the trunk?' she said. Permit me
to show YOU / will take out every
article before you, and replace it; that
will su flee"
"That will suffice. madam, replied
the detective, with a bow.
Mrs. Grey went on her knees before
the black trunk. One by one the took
on the articles it held and laid them on
the ground, until there was nothing
left and the bottom of the box was
plainly seen. Then she rose from her
knees.
on seer" she said, briefly.
al see, madam" he replied; but Li,
quick eyes were busy. He looked first
at the things on the floor, then at the
size of the box: then he looked at Mrs.
Grey.
Permit me-" he said. raising the
trunk in his hands; ''this trunk has a
false bottom, madame. Will you open
il for meP'
The very pallor of death crept over
her face her eyes grew dim-her white
lips sprung apart; but no word, no
sound came from them.
"Will you open it for me, or shall ]
open it MYSELF" asked the detective.
Neither" she replied; "it shall not
be touched"
"Mr. Barr s,' said the detective, po
litely, twill you ask his grace to como
here at onceP He alone can decide the
question"
Ali why did she fall on her knees
with that bitter, wailing cry, wringing
her hands, and calling in her heart for
Heaven to save herp Whyp